EU Goal: Reach 20% World-Share in Chip Manufacturing by 2020

EU Goal: Reach 20% World-Share in Chip Manufacturing by
2020

EU to spend € 10 billion to trigger € 100 billion investments
— SEMI provides the platforms for our members to share critical implementation
issues and actions to support the goals set by the EU

By Heinz Kundert,
president, SEMI Europe

European Commission vice president Neelie Kroes is determined to radically improve
Europe’s semiconductor manufacturing landscape: 10 billion Euros is on the
table and industry has promised to invest another 100 billion Euros. “Like the
Airbus experience, it is possible to achieve even the unthinkable. Europe has
the strengths and critical industries to regain a market-share of 20 percent in
chip manufacturing by 2020. This will create around 250’000 new jobs. However,
it will be of paramount importance to work and invest together, cross-border
and along the entire food-chain,” said Commissioner Kroes.

The new European
industrial strategy for micro- and nano-electronics, published on 23 May 2013,
sets the framework for targeted investment across the electronics value and
innovation chain. An Industrial Strategy Roadmap for Investment, to be
developed by end 2013, will cover three complementary lines:

Transition to 450mm, expected to primarily benefit
equipment and material manufacturers in Europe

“More than Moore” on
200mm and 300 mm

“More Moore” for
ultimate miniaturization on 300mm wafers

Investment will be
concentrated, focusing on Europe’s clusters of excellence in manufacturing and
design (Grenoble, Dresden and Eindhoven-Leuven), but will also support
partnerships and alliances across the value chain in Europe.

This strategy is the
culmination of years of industry advocacy for a clear European commitment to
manufacturing. SEMI first called for measures to support investment in
manufacturing in its 2008 White Paper. We have since contributed to the work of
two High Level Groups on Key Enabling Technologies and will join the KETs
Implementation Observatory to be launched by the end of this year. SEMI advocacy
in favor of adapting European competition and state aid rules, simplifying EU
funding programs and considering the global impact of Environmental Health and
Safety rules also contribute to creating a positive policy environment for
investment. In 2012 SEMI facilitated a dialogue among key European industry
players that led to the single European
semiconductor strategy, a common vision of how to reinforce Europe’s global
competitiveness.

Implementing the strategy starts now and SEMI will assist, looking at latest
technology developments and helping SEMI members create partnerships, link up
with RTOs and benefit from the European investment strategy. SEMICON Europa,
taking place on 8-10 October in Dresden, will be the industry’s next major
opportunity for to discuss latest technologies, with shows and conferences
covering hot topics such as 450mm wafer transition, latest lithography
developments (EUV), new emerging materials, MEMS manufacturing and test, 3D TSV
challenges, factory automation and an Executive Summit dedicated to the
strategy’s implementation.

Do not miss the SEMICON Europa 2013 Call for Papers— open
until June 27.
The conferences are a great opportunity to present your technology and latest
achievements to a large audience of industry professionals. For more
information about SEMICON Europe programs, the Call for Papers and
opportunities to exhibit and present your products please go online and visit
semiconeuropa.org.